Poor In Spirit & Mourning| Jan 30, 2022

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between (1
Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passages: Matthew 4:23-25

● Read Matthew 4:23-25. Why do you think Matthew made a point to specify
where the people in the crowd were from?
○ This brings up the fact that being family with people who are different then
you can be messy, but it is also beautifully intrinsic. How does this reflect
God’s character? Although they were different, what did they all have in
common?
○ Have you ever experienced a time where you didn’t belong? What did that
feel like?
○ Has there ever been a time or maybe even a lie that you believed that you
didn’t belong in God’s family? What is the truth about God that speaks to
that?

● What are you putting your hope in that is not Jesus? (a helpful way to think about
this can be the statement: “If I only had ____ then I would be happy.”)
○ How does Jesus fully satisfy this desire? If you don’t know that’s okay!
Spend some time in scripture together looking for God’s characteristics
and truths that show us we are fully satisfied in Him! Respond to this truth
by filling in this blank: “I am blessed because He is ____ in me.”
● Read Matthew 9:35-36. Is there something in this world that makes you mourn
and long for the day where God’s Kingdom reigns here on Earth? How can we
pray over that together this week?

● Take some time to think about what Phil called “Jesus’ supernatural mourning”
He mourned over his enemies. His heart was breaking over the people that
would deny Him, reject Him, spit on Him, and put Him on a cross to die. How
does this speak to you?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?
● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.